Credit cards typically offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage, although amounts and scenarios vary by card. Some policies even cover cancelled travel due to events like coronavirus pandemic or jury duty.
Some Chase credit cards, like the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Cards, offer travel protection with relatively high maximum coverage amounts.
Visa
Visa credit cards usually offer some level of travel insurance protection to cardholders; however, coverage amounts and fine print vary by card. Our editors have observed that cards with higher annual fees tend to provide more comprehensive protection in terms of primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
Cardholders could receive up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 total reimbursement in case they need to cancel or alter their travel plans due to illness, weather or family emergencies, for instance. Some cards also cover prepaid travel expenses and hotel stays in case of death or serious injury for either themselves, their traveling companion(s), or immediate family members.
Visa cards offer different coverage levels when renting cars with them; some cover the full value, while others only cover damage sustained while it’s stored or being repaired. Cardholders should refer to their benefits guide or contact their card issuer for details.
Mastercard
Credit cards that provide trip cancellation insurance may reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses in the event that your trip is canceled or interrupted; however, most card travel protection plans require you to use all available cards for paying expenses upfront in order to be eligible.
The top credit cards offering travel cancellation insurance boast benefits such as lost luggage reimbursement and flight delay coverage. Bank of America Premium Rewards card in particular features comprehensive policies covering severe weather, terrorism and mandatory evacuations at your destination as well as loss of employment, jury duty or active military service obligations.
Some Chase cards also provide travel insurance benefits, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its lower annual fee and generous maximum coverage amounts. Before selecting one of these plans, be sure to read its guide to benefits to understand its coverage details; some plans only cover you in certain instances such as when someone in your immediate family passes away or your job changes drastically.
American Express
American Express’ Platinum Card comes equipped with trip cancellation insurance as an added feature of premium travel perks, including complimentary access to world-class airport lounges and special amenities at certain upscale hotels. In terms of coverage specifics, American Express reimburses for trips canceled due to circumstances beyond control like terrorist attacks, severe weather conditions, court subpoena or jury duty obligations or changes in military orders – among others.
Although coverage amounts and types may differ between cards, many offering this benefit provide great value to travelers who experience flight delays or other travel-related difficulties. Some credit cards even reimburse lost or stolen luggage!
Chase cards tend to offer some of the strongest travel protections and maximum coverage limits of any credit card company; please refer to each card’s individual guides to benefits for more specific information.
